I Can't Breathe

2014 has been an eye opening year for people around the world when it comes to civil rights in the United States. Many believe that because the United States has its own constitution specifying freedoms that citizens have and because of the United States’ emphasis on freedom, all its citizens enjoy these freedoms. After this year I think the world now sees clearly that civil rights in the United States has a long way to go before things are just and equal. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un called the United States a burial ground for human rights. With the killings of a plethora of unarmed black men this year by police officers, followed by no indictments for these officers; law enforcement is bearing the brunt of protests globally. The fact that those sworn in to protect and serve United States citizens are the ones killing them is concerning to say the least. Whats even more disturbing is the fact that black men, and sometimes women, seem to be the only target. Racial profiling has gotten far out of hand and needs to be stopped; even when officers are tried for the murders of these innocent people, the law seems to protect them more than it does those black people who were slain. As far back as I can remember racial profiling and harassment by police officers was a frequent obstacle I dealt with as a young black man. Whether I was stopped on my bike and harassed about how I acquired it or stopped in front of my house while unloading groceries from my fathers car, the common denominator was the fact that I was suspicious, because I was black. As sad as this may sound, it was no surprise to me to hear that a cop had shot, choked or beaten a black men to death because of suspicion.  What is sadder is the fact that when, and if, the cops were tried then got off scott free, I was still not shocked. While my white peers began to realize the injustices black people faced in America, its upsetting to think that only now, after a myriad of deaths, is this travesty being recognized in the United States. In an episode of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air Jazzy, Will Smiths best friend, is testifying in court and keeps his hands up the entire time. When Uncle Phil tells him he can put his hands down Jazzy promptly responds “No way. Dudes got a gun. Next thing you know I got six warning shots in my back.” This is the reality black men must face every day and it is frustrating and exhausting. Racism and inequality is here and it is real, to those who are tired of hearing about it, try living it.  Black people in this country have put up with struggles insurmountable by most since the founding of this nation. The protests going around all over the globe is a refreshing and hopeful sight. Finally, people are beginning to realize the injustice we go through and are ready to make a change, not just for the betterment of black people but of all people. The world has finally had enough of racism, ignorance, and intolerance. Its sad that the killing of these unarmed men had to inspire the change but its incredible that a change is on its way. These protesters, not looters, are for the most part: thoughtful and inspired individuals who are ready to take the world and its “leaders” into the next phase of humanity. There has never been forward moving progress without change, there has never been change without the compassion and love to do something. Each protest is a microcosm for the bigger war, the war for equality and peace for all people; not just those who decided hundreds of years ago that this was how the world would work. So when asked how I feel about the protests I have but one response: finally.

Ebola v AIDs

In the 80's the HIV/AIDs hysteria swept the world, many people struggled with the illness which seemed like a death sentence and became a social stigma. AIDs turned many individuals into pariahs, a myriad of myths surrounding the disease began popping up and suddenly the disease, which could only be caught through sexual contact or blood transfusion, was as contagious as the common cold. A combination of ignorance and fear helped to circulate these rumors and created the social stigmas which impacted the lives of millions of people living with the illness. The stigma from the disease specifically targeted the LGBT community and particularly gay men. "The attitude was, these (diseases) are only in gays and IV drug users, underdogs, people who didn't deserve any special attention," said HIV expert and doctor Friedman-Kien. Famous author Edmund White said "Mothers didn't want me picking up their babies. People didn't want to kiss you on the cheek. People certainly didn't want to have sex with you, especially other gay people. It was very isolating and demeaning."  The issue was not only with the health of the person with AIDs but how that person contracted it. HIV/AIDs became a symbol of shame and a very askew stereotype for the LGBT community. 

It seems as though the great contagion hysteria of our generation is the Ebola virus. The disease is similar to the AIDs in its mass hysteria and myths surrounding it. Hysteria has caused people to believe, like AIDs,  that Ebola can be contracted like and is contagious as the chicken pox. Ebola can only be contracted through physical contact with patient who has the virus. Even more so contact must be made with that patients bodily fluids. However there have been many conspiracy theories, rumors and myths about how Ebola can be contracted.The stigma of having ebola, however, does not just effect one group of people as AIDs did but it still creates many stereotypes and rumors. 

In order to combat ignorance, fear, and ultimately hysteria, people should research and fully understand the illnesses which impact our world. 

We've Been in the Era of the Big Booty

The article, “We’re Officially in the Era of the Big Booty,” in a recent issue of Vogue Magazine describes how curvaceous and voluptuous figures are now “in-style.” I believe the article was well written and accurate from one perspective but missed that mark from a global perspective.  For certain cultures whose ideas of beauty have dominated the media the idea of a curvaceous woman as beautiful is something brand new. For most cultures a full figured woman has been considered beautiful for centuries.

Patricia Garcia the author of the Vogue article, undoubtedly comes from a single story perspective.  The article is severely culturally inept, for those not immersed in latin and/or african culture it would seem that voluptuous figures have recently become trending when in our (black/latino) culture a curvaceous figure has always been idolized, in fact skinny women have almost been ridiculed in black/latino cultures. So for Patricia Garcia to write an article announcing the arrival of the big butt is almost redundant to many people, its old news.

The article however can have a very damaging effect on a young girls psyche.  For young women in the modern world media and fashion dictate the standards girls set for themselves. For a long time when only very thin women appeared in the media, so women who were naturally curvaceous were considered taboo. Now that this social stigma has changed so will beauty standards. Any young girls who see these full figured women on television will try to imitate what they now think is attractive, causing them to try and copy a style that is far beyond their years.  My little cousin is a victim of this misogynistic assault, all her clothes fit too tight and are too revealing. Unfortunately the media and its misogynistic productions whether they idolized thin or full figured women distorts what beauty truly is.

You can find the full article below:


http://www.vogue.com/1342927/booty-in-pop-culture-jennifer-lopez-iggy-azalea/

The Great Digital Divide

A smartphone (not a cell phone) has become as commonplace as a pair of pants in our modern era. Everyone is surfing the web, checking, tweets, making calls, sending texts, and posting pictures all from the luxury of their handheld mobile. However these devices go beyond just mobile phones; with the gadgets tantalizing features and status symbol, tablets, laptops, and e-readers have become quite desirable by billions of people globally. The Pew Research Internet Project reports that "The number of Americans ages 16 and older who own tablet computers has grown to 35%, and the share who have e-reading devices like Kindles and Nooks has grown to 24%. Overall, the number of people who have a tablet or an e-book reader among those 16 and older now stands at 43%.” Technology has not only gained popularity because of its efficiency and practicality but it has gained popularity because of the social status acquainted with it.

This desire to have the newest and most efficient technology is no different than the desire to have a new car, the reasoning for both these desires are the same as well, to divide oneself from a majority: to be praised for a social distinction. This distinction between those with the latest technology and those without is known as the Digital Divide.  The Digital Divide is a social issue which refers to the amount of information that people can access based on their access to the internet. The concern is primarily with an individuals ability to have information, communications, and technologies equivalent to their peers. This digital divide has an immensely negative effect on millions of people.

In the modern job market and economy the majority of all business, from job applications to scheduling meetings, is handled online. Those from a financially disadvantaged setting will usually not have the same access to information, technology and, communication capabilities as someone who is financially stable. Therefore the ability for someone from a lower class to ever break that class distinction is very unlikely.  My understanding of this great digital divide is that it causes inequitable plight for many individuals and creates disillusioned minds among our peers, as far as social statuses and new technology is concerned.

An Extremely Brief Insight Into the Social Media Age

An attempt at a normative theory of the social media age:

1. How have social networks changed the relationship between creators and their audiences?

• Social networks have enabled creators to get their messages and expressions to their audiences in a more efficient and engaging manner.  Social networks have also created a wider variety of expressive outlets for creators to present their information to their audiences.

2. How has the computer and digital technology changed the way we tell stories?

• The computer age has revolutionized the not only the way we tell stories but what audiences we can get the stories to. With computers and digital technology stories are more in depth, detailed, yet briefer than they were before.

3. How has storytelling and the written word changed in the digital age?

• Storytelling has become much more prominent than it was before the digital age. In the modern world many people have blogs and/or a social media platform, therefore everyone is telling a story through some type of digital medium.  The written word has gone from print to type very quickly. This is due to the fact that not only is the digital word more efficient but it is also cheaper.

Hip Hop for the People

Due to the events in Ferguson, MO, coupled with the killing of 4 other unarmed black men by police this summer, the hip-hop community has been in an uproar. A myriad of Hip-Hop artists are speaking out with politically driven lyrics that are both inspiring  and enlightening. Hip-Hops unwavering support of the cause has brought many to the understanding of the struggles black americans are faced with.

From Trinidad James's "Mr. Officer" to G-Unit's "Ahhh Sh*t", artists from across hip-hops broad spectrum are giving their lyrical responses to the tragedies of this summer.

The Game said  "I wanted to do my part in bringing awareness to it, so that at the end of the day that I can sleep well knowing that I used my voice correctly."

Whether it be through their music or by using their power in the media to raise awareness, the hip-hop community continues to stand in complete solidarity with the victims and all who support them. Many Hip-Hop artists are also involved in the demonstrations and marches. J. Cole had visited Ferguson recently to pay his respects to the deceased Michael Brown and Brown's family. Nelly was also seen with demonstrators in Ferguson, MO August 18th urging them to protest peacefully. Nelly has also set up a scholarship fund in Michael Brown's name.

Rappers are making their voices heard in the way rap/hip-hop was intended: for the oppressed and against injustice.

T.I  recently said  "We are the voice for those without a voice, our messages reach the ears of people who most common men in America can't reach, and I think that has to be used to the advantage and the greater good of the masses."

The slew of killings by police officers this summer has been reprehensible to say the least. It is refreshing to know that hip-hop has not completely lost its way and is still able to remain that voice for the voiceless during a crisis, such as what has transpired in Ferguson, MO.  Hip-Hop is still, at its core, the ever-changing voice of the oppressed people

The following are links to some recent releases by hip hop artists inspired by the violence of this summer:

https://soundcloud.com/michaelmillions/michael-millions-6-prod-namebrand

https://soundcloud.com/empiredistribution/the-game-dont-shoot-ft-rick-ross-2-chainz-diddy-fabolous-wale-dj-khaled-swizz-beatz

https://soundcloud.com/masonbetha-1/ma-e-politically-incorrect

https://soundcloud.com/trinidad-jame/mr-officer-prod-keywane

https://soundcloud.com/50_cent/g-unit-ahhh-shit